It is the milkweed pod that nurtures and protects its seeds as they matured. The plant is also life and blood to the delicate Monarch butterfly who migrates a 1000 miles in the fall. When the plant matures, the pod must open releasing the flat papery seeds each with its own feathery wings to drift for miles. In the end, the pod stands proud, empty, beautiful, as it grows brittle with decay. Meanwhile, the seeds land and burrow into the earth with the promise to repeat this cycle of life for the butterfly and plant.
This pod shelters the beginning of life, then releases the potential of the renewal of life , in the end it must let go of life.
Location
1500 Jackson Street Northeast
Studio 171-173
Minneapolis, MN
Map & Directions
Phone
Online
I work best when I create with the materials that come my way and I have gleaned an abundance of zippers and beautiful fabrics over the years. When many small manufacturing companies went out of business, I bought a random assortment of zippers in bulk which prompted people to give me bags of used and unused zippers. In time more opportunities for materials came: 8000 men’s ties, a car load of wool fabric, boxes of men’s shirting and silk tie fabric. The materials I use all have their own journey and story, which then becomes part of the visual and verbal texture of the sculptures I create.
I build substantial structures by tightly wrapping strips of discarded knits around a welded steel armature creating a solid form that I can hand stitch to and a structure that can withstand the weight of the materials I gather. The fabric quality is key and the other materials must have the ability to connect and repeat thus losing their identity in movement and the texture they create.
My work reflects our human ability to connect through whimsy, archetypes, legends, love and raw expression. My process is a response to environmental pressures, I create pieces that have their own story that is often unveiled as I work. I am driven by a passion to reflect the voice of the fabrics, to acknowledge the integrity of common things that no longer have a meaningful use in our culture, and to tell a visual story through the sculptural movement they form.
Online Sales
Barbara Bend is setting up their online store. Check back or email/call for purchase information.
Image Gallery
Online Store
Need help?
If you have a question about an order or a pickup, or about fulfillment options for an item, please contact the artist or gallery.
If you need help with this website or your customer account, or if you are an artist or gallery in need of support, please contact us.